“Long you live and high you'll fly, and smiles you'll give, tears you'll cry, and all you touch and all you see is all your life will ever be.” ― Pink Floyd

Floydian experience

The Machine, the Pink Floyd tribute band that brings to life the famed psychedelic music of the British band that sold 250 million records worldwide, has been at it for 20 years. Using elaborate stage displays, combined with a bit of theater, the New York-based band covers almost all of Pink Floyd's 16-album oeuvre, including all the classics like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), and The Wall (1979). The band is also known for taking requests from fans, so don't be shy. But how much do these guys really sound like Pink Floyd? Well, as Rolling Stone's Matt Diehl wrote, “The Machine duplicates the sound and hits of Pink Floyd with chilling accuracy.” For those of us who have The Dark Side of the Moon's album cover emblazoned in our mind's eye, this could be a special treat.

The Garage- 250 1st St. N. Clouds and Veils, new paintings and works on paper by Matt Kleberg. 5-7pm

Chroma Projects- 418 East Main St. Front Gallery-David Garratt’s Elements and Jennifer Byrne’s Visitant Sicily. The Black Box- Will May’s The Ice Machine. Underground- Carolyn Capps’ We Are Not Our Work..

will be displaying a new exhibit titled, A Sunny Southerner: The Life and Writings of Julia Magruder. This exhibit was researched and written by Margaret L. Freeman, with design by Margaret L. Freeman and Keri Matthews. The show explores the life and literary works of Charlottesville native, Julia Magruder, an internationally famous author of the late nineteenth century. Magruder’s life and writings as a proclaimed "New Woman of the South" offered a woman’s perspective on the difficult world of the South after the Civil War. Most of her novels are love stories in which the heroine must overcome obstacles to find true love, and several of her stories were printed in the Ladies' Home Journal. Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society will honor the gallery opening with a First Fridays reception on May 3 at the McIntire Building. Stop by to view the displays, meet the exhibit creator, and learn about all of the projects ACHS has been working on over the past year.May 3, Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, 5:30pm

Support our studentsThat little school on High Street is holding a fundraising concert at The Haven this weekend, where a variety of your favorite local bands are performing to help Park School flourish. The bands include We Are Star Children, Sarah White, The Flying V's, Jam Thicket, Sam's Friends, Wendy Repass, Blue O'Connell, Academical Village People, and Eli Cook. All proceeds will support Park School and The Sam Taylor Scholarship Fund, created in memory of the Park Street student who died in a car accident on Garth Road late last summer. The event, presented by WTJU, will also feature food, beer, and wine, as well as a silent auction. Park School's philosophy is one of special attention; their student body never exceeds 20 students. For those in grades 5-12, Park School accepts students who were considered average at their previous schools, and allows them to tap into their unique abilities, helping them to become empowered young people by fostering their passion for learning, and their abilities to set and achieve goals. Extra donations are accepted along with the purchase of a ticket to this event. Go to www.parkschoolva.org for more information.May 4, The Haven, 6pm, $10

A Band of BrothersSons of Bill, an up-and-coming band from Virginia, has released a new album called Sirens. And, much like the Greek mythological creatures that lured sailors with their song, this album will have you captivated. Sons of Bill formed in 2006 when brothers James, Sam, and Abe Wilson merged creative forces. The brothers were later joined by friends Seth Green and Todd Wellons to complete the band as we know it today. They were voted best band in Charlottesville the last four years running, and Sirens has debuted at #12 on Billboard among new artists. USA Today wrote, “Sons of Bill proves that good alt-country isn’t dead.” And, American Songwriter Magazine calls them “Brilliant.” Before their tour took off this spring, the band released a limited edition 7-inch vinyl 45 titled “Bad Dancer” on WarHen Records. The band describes the song as a love letter to their fans. Sons of Bill will be touring all over the midwest, southern, and eastern states through the end of June this year. Their show at The Jefferson will include The Wheeler Brothers, an Americana rock quintet from Austin, Texas.May 4, Jefferson Theater, 8pm, $12-$15

"We're bored!"

Stuff to do with kids

A Storybook Ballet Experience: The Sleeping Beauty

This children’s ballet series is especially designed for ages three to eight and offers an interactive experience in the Charlottesville Ballet Studio Theater. There will be an introductory ballet class where your child can learn basic steps. You’ll then get to decorate your own Prince crown or Princess tiara in the Royal Crown Activity. Lastly, you’ll see excerpts from the play performed by Charlottesville Ballet dancers.Saturday, May 4 at 9:30 or 11:30am at Charlottesville Ballet Studio Theater. 434-227-7592. $35

29th Annual Walk For Kids

Sign up for this annual Charlottesville family tradition and 5K walk to benefit UVA Children's Hospital. This event will feature entertainment and games for the whole family, including a picnic and a chance to win prizes. The flat, three-mile walk is family and pet-friendly, with a ¼-mile option for the smallest walkers. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support construction of the Battle Building at UVA Children's Hospital. Saturday, May 4 at 9:30am at The Park. 434-924-8432.

Swannanoa Open HouseOne of this area's most stunning architectural gems, Swannanoa, was built in 1912 by a farmer named James Dooley, who modeled his home after the Medici family’s palace in Rome, Italy. The palace sits high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains in Afton. More than 300 artisans were hired to create the replicated palace, and its décor, including a 4,000 -piece Tiffany stained-glass window. It is usually only available by appointment, so bring your family to this beautiful estate for a tour of the grounds this weekend.Sunday, May 5 at 11:30am at Swannanoa. 540-942-5201. $6

Theater: Live Arts presents the play, Or. Live Arts Theater. 8pm. $20-$25Theater: Fiddler on the Roof. ShenanArts at the nTelos Theater in Staunton. 7pm. $10-$17

5/2Eli Cook, at Wild WolfAndrew Gorski and Pals at Fellini’s #9Beats Antique, Russ Liquid, Opal Lechmanski at The Jefferson. $17.50-$20TJ Kong and the Atomic Bombs at Whiskey JarJack Grelle and The Johnson Family at Blue Moon Diner

5/3Prime Cut Band at Wild WolfThe Honey Dewdrops, Roosevelt Dime at The Southern. $10-$12Chickenhead Blues Band at Fellini’s #9. $5Groove Train, Bluestep at Fridays After FiveThe Machine performs Pink Floyd at The Jefferson. $20-25Lost Indian at Whiskey JarKaren Jonas at Blue Moon DinerBlack Ice at Main Street Annex. $8Shannon Branch, TNT Country at Joe’s Sports Bar and Pool HallBeleza Duo at Bashir’s TavernaArt Wheeler at EscafeRobert Jospe at Cville Coffee

5/4Bootsie Daniels at Wild WolfThe Pollocks at Plank Road ExchangeLove Canon at The Southern. $15John D’Earth and Friends at Fellini’s #9. $5Sons of Bill, The Wheeler Brothers at The Jefferson. $12-$15We Are Star Children at Whiskey JarMemoryy, Shhh at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar. $5Louis Smith Band at The BiltmoreDouble Faces, DJ Flatline at Main Street Annex. $10-$15Beleza Quartet at Maya Restaurant

5/5Central Virginia Blue Society Jam at Wild WolfLuchadora Cd Release Party at Fellini’s #9Spin Doctors, Honor By August at The Jefferson. $25-$30Belle of the Brawl at Blue Moon Diner

5/6Jazz Collective #9 at Fellini’s #9Luchadora at Blue Moon Diner

5/7Travis Elliot at Fellini’s #9The Ha-Rang, Golden Glasses, Gravies and the Main Dish Sauce, Kevin William Davis at The Bridge PAIMichael Mulvaney at Blue Moon DinerThe Sabor Trio at Escafe